NBA News: Rajon Rondo Headed To Sacramento
With the Boston Celtics well into their rebuilding phase, this year could be the year where all-star point guard Rajon Rondo is dealt, and Sacramento could very well be the most likely destination for the Celtics’ all-star point guard.
This past summer, the Boston Celtics drafted Marcus Smart, a point guard from Oklahoma State University. Smart is more than likely the point guard of the future in Boston, pairing with shooting guard Avery Bradley as the Celtics’ backcourt of the future, which doesn’t leave much room for Rajon Rondo.
Why is Sacramento the most likely destination for Rondo? Well, first of all, the Kings have an enthusiastic new owner who wants to win right away, and for now, he’s getting his wish as the Kings are 5-2.
Secondly the Kings have some young players that have at least a little bit of upside to them, and could help the Celtics in the future. Players like Ben McLemore and Derrick Williams. Plus Sacramento is looking to get rid of the Jason Thompson contract, and Boston may be willing to take that on.
The Kings will definitely have some concerns about Rondo’s health as he’s played just 121 games in the past three seasons (53 in 2011-2012, 38 in 2012-2013, 30 in 2013-2014), but Kings ownership may overlook that as Rondo gives them the opportunity to win right away.
Here’s the trade specifics:
Celtics get: Derrick Williams, Ben McLemore, Jason Thompson and a future first round pick.
Kings get: Rajon Rondo and Vitor Faverani.
Even with an injured left hand, Rajon Rondo has continued to be an incredible playmaker this season, averaging 11.2 assists per game which ranks first in the league. Rondo is also one of only three players that is averaging double-digit assists this season along with Chris Paul (10.5) and Ricky Rubio (10.0).
There were rumors this past summer that the Kings were targeting Kevin Love, but of course he ended up in Cleveland, joining LeBron James and Kyrie Irving.
New Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé is still looking to acquire a player that would, in his mind, guarantee the Kings a playoff spot in the tough western conference, and Rajon Rondo could very well end up being that player for the Sacramento Kings.
[Image via fantasybasketballmoneyleagues.com]
